Led by Costa Rica, the Pledge is open to countries and organisations that want to work together to strengthen the role of ocean accounting in governance. Will be featured at UNOC 3
The Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030 is a voluntary international initiative launched in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), taking place in Nice, France (9–13 June 2025).
Led by Costa Rica, the Pledge is open to countries and organisations that want to work together to strengthen the role of ocean accounting in governance.
The Pledge is designed as an umbrella framework that accommodates the diverse priorities and capacities of each signatory. Countries and organizations can align their contributions with national priorities while collaborating on global goals for ocean sustainability.
See who has signed the Pledge Declaration
It provides a shared platform to signal ambition, mobilise support, and align with global efforts under SDG 14, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Signatories are also invited to submit an optional individual complementary statement to explain how they plan to engage or what they have already done.
Joining the Pledge is a way to:
The Pledge was formally presented on the main stage at UNOC 3, and early signatories will be publicly recognised. Leading up to that, countries and organisations have the opportunity to engage or sign at several upcoming events.
Learn more about engaging with the Pledge at UNOC 3
As ocean health declines and demands on marine ecosystems increase, countries need better information systems to manage ocean use, protect biodiversity, and address climate impacts.
Ocean accounts bring together environmental, social, and economic data to support:
By developing ocean accounts, countries gain the tools needed to balance development and conservation while fulfilling their international obligations.
The Pledge provides a commitment for countries and organisations that want to advance ocean accounts, at their own pace, in ways that align with national priorities.
It does not impose specific requirements, but instead offers a flexible framework to:
Joining the Pledge is an effective way to:
By signing, countries and organisations agree to:
Signatories are encouraged to consider developing optional individual complementary statements that outline specific actions, measurable outcomes, and timelines aligned with their unique context. See example country statements which may be used for the Joint Pledge for Ocean Accounts and/or optional country UNOC Voluntary Commitment.
Countries and organisations can sign the Pledge:
Delivering on the 2030 Sustainable Ocean Economy: Pledge to Develop Ocean Accounts by 2030
Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Portugal, and partners. A forum to showcase leadership, explore new commitments, and build international alliances.
Accounting for Our Ocean: Tools, Stories, and Commitments
An interactive 3-hour workshop including policy-oriented training, Costa Rica’s roadmap, and live opportunities to sign the Pledge.
🗓️ 21 May 2025, 13:00 and 22:00 AEST| The Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts: Preparing for UNOC 3| Virtual Webinar
To discuss the Pledge further, including messages from early signatories and countries with the shared vision, and receive guidance on how to join.
Held in San José, Costa Rica, this event brought together over 120 participants from 80+ countries and organisations. It marked the launch of the Joint Pledge and generated strong momentum for global collaboration on ocean accounts. Read more about the event here.
Developed between 2023 and 2024, the report seeks to uncover the nuances and relevance of ocean accounting in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. Available in English and Spanish.
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Progress report: How countries across global regions are moving ocean accounts from concept to implementation
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Interim analysis of ocean-based climate actions included in new and updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) & national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs)
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